How much does the return of Richard Sherman help?

We all know that the 49ers have been decimated by injury across the roster. Backups at virtually every position group have been pressed into extensive playing time basically from jump this season. You would think that starters coming back from those injuries would be massive upgrade for the 49ers, but when it comes to Richard Sherman, Kyle Posey and Akash Anavarathan think fans may be overstating just how much of an impact Sherman can make once he returns - at least physically.

“Jason Verrett and Emmanuel Moseley haven’t played poorly,” Posey says, “The bad games Moseley has had this season are against DK Metcalf, DeAndre Hopkins, and Davante Adams. Three of the best receivers in the NFL. Every other game he’s been very solid or lights out. It’s not as if those guys wouldn’t have beaten Sherman, so how much are the 49ers gaining with Sherman back in the lineup?”

I realize this is likely to spark outrage in the comments, but they do have a point. Remember what Adams did to Sherman last year in the playoffs? You can bet the Packers would have.

That said, don’t misunderstand. Both Kyle and Akash do think the defense will be better with 25 on the field, it just might not be as obvious to the average fan.

“The only place it does bring you an advantage is mentally on the field,” Akash says, “Sherman is like having a coach on the field, so mentally he may see things that Moseley may not. With K’Waun Williams getting suspended, maybe you decide to use Sherman, Moseley, and Verrett, rather than going Sherman, Verrett, and Jamar Taylor.”

Hear the whole conversation in this week’s Shanaplan Podcast so you can decide for yourself. What do you think, are we overstating the impact that Richard Sherman will have on the defense?

Other topics discussed in today’s episode:

• Why this week won’t be like Week 6 against the Rams
• Why Eric Davis is wrong about Richard Sherman becoming the next Merton Hanks
• Possible draft scenarios for the 49ers